Virraddon's History

Childhood and Youth

Virraddon Arrax Gal’aurias was the eighth of eleven children born to Arthurias and Jessalyn Gal’aurias of Dakkor. Arthurias was a captain in the Dakkoran army, as were his fathers before him. Virraddon’s great-grandfather Raethnor was given land for his service southeast of the village of Silverwood, and this land has ever since been the family seat of Bailseth, a large estate mostly given over to orchards. Gal’aurian Cider, renowned in and out of Dakkor, is made from those apples.

Virraddon’s oldest brother Einnoc is a disciplined man, much like his father, and served in the Dakkoran army along with Virraddon’s older brothers Torvald, Cahoreau, and Claudius [Lance Menthe]. Then came his sister Resphina, whose hand was sought by nobles of House Ælin, and she was followed by the twin brothers Forrester and Jacuinde [Chris and Kevin Thomas], both thoughtful and reserved. Virraddon was the seventh son, and he was followed by his sisters Carolan and Issa, and finally by his youngest brother Naxor, who was somewhat wild in his youth. It has been many years since Virraddon has seen most of his family.

The Gal’aurias family was wealthy but not of the nobility and was always strongly tied to House Ælin. Virraddon recalls traveling often to the Ælin estate in Ælinost on holy days, and remembers particularly the Totem of the local shrine, a sunset-haired and copper-skinned young elf named Awen. She spoke kindly to Virraddon when he was young and he has never forgotten her.

Virraddon showed no talent for athletics as a boy but was clever and explored a great deal. It was on one of these expeditions that he met the old priest Ladarius. The kindly priest took Virraddon under his wing, teaching him his letters and encouraging him to join the priesthood. Since Virraddon’s prospects for the army were poor, Arthurias was pleased to allow his son to become an apprentice in the temple. The Curate of the temple in Ælinost, Timotheus, did not like Virraddon and assigned him the most menial of chores.

It was during this time that Virraddon met Tal’ysin [Devin Parker], who was to become a lifelong friend. Their friendship was an unusual one, as Tal’ysin was a farmer’s son who longed to be in the army and was serious as Virraddon was not yet, but the bond between the two was strong.

At seventeen Virraddon became an Acolyte and began his formal training for the priesthood. At his duty sorting documents in the libraries of the temple, Virraddon was struck by the dearth of works regarding other lands and peoples, who were always depicted as brutal heathens. He was surprised to find that manuscripts captured by Dakkoran soldiers in their wars were mostly confiscated and destroyed. He did manage to save two works from the pyre: the Quests of Jorambar, a vast Quiveran epic verse detailing the exploits of the hero-king of the title; and the Cyclopaedia Magikus, written by Nathaniel of Truevale. The first of these works showed Virraddon the beauty of art; the second, with its record of great mages through the æons, opened his mind to the possibility that magik might not be entirely tied up with Totems and Dakkoran devotion.

Virraddon began researching further into Dakkoran history and was eventually convinced that Nae’del’s words had been sometimes warped and used for unrighteous ends. The then-young war against the elves only served to heighten his misgivings. He did not reject his faith then, but worked earnestly to learn how to correct and perfect it. He shared his thoughts with few for fear of reprisal. He confided tentatively in Tal’ysin, but found that his friend would hear no word against the faith.

On his twentieth birthday, Virraddon became an Adept and was placed just below Damrik, the Head Librarian. Virraddon continued his researches for nearly a year, and when he felt he was sufficiently prepared, he approached Curate Timotheus with his concerns.

Timotheus became enraged and ordered Virraddon to give up all such inquiry immediately upon pain of excommunication. He confiscated Virraddon’s materials and forbade the young Adept from speaking to any others of the matter—if he did so, he risked execution. He demoted Virraddon back to an Acolyte and placed a five-year ban upon him before he might attempt to advance to Adept status once more.

Rather than cowing Virraddon into submission, the Curate’s words confirmed his unspoken fears. Not wishing to be a part of a faith which could not be morally justified, Virraddon gathered his few possessions and fled on that moonless night. He did not tell his family for fear that they might be made to suffer for his transgressions or reveal his plans. He has never seen most of his family since.

Virraddon fled west, not knowing if he was pursued. After a few weeks of travel he found himself in Quivera. He hid his nationality and found the lands he passed through both inviting and civilized. It was then that he began to feel the desire to open up his native land and show the people the truth of the outside world—and perhaps even reconcile them to the elves of Doro Y’Edhel. He renounced there his former ways and vowed to study only True Magik, of which he learned from the Cyclopaedia Magikus.

With his little knowledge of the lands beyond his own, Virraddon wandered for some while seeking a teacher. He first heard of the walled city of Brildor and its great learning, but he was never able even to come within sight of it for the fierce guard they kept. Eventually he came to DeMekrium and was directed to the Unseen University in Lumstadt. He managed to secure a position within the scullery halls and studied for three years under the tutelage of Masters Anaxagoras, Zacharias, and Valerian. They suggested to him that though his understanding of magik seems strangely archaic and overly complex, he had the makings of a mage of some ability.

After this time, finding that his menial work could no longer support the costly fees of the University and being encouraged by his masters to seek out some new knowledge he might call his own, Virraddon began a quest to hone his abilities in the field.

The Meeting of Tal'ysin and Early Adventures

In May of 497, he again attempted to enter Brildor and was again turned away. Upon leaving, he found himself at Point Purview among camps of Halgudarian refugees on the coast. He was horrified by the pain and suffering they endured. His shock was only intensified upon seeing his old friend Tal’ysin, traveling with a DeMekrian woman named Kellyn [Jen Groniger] (who, Virraddon discovered through scrying, was carrying an enchanted blade) among the camp’s number.

Tal’ysin had abandoned his post in the Dakkoran army when he saw how the elves they fought were being slain. Hope rose within Virraddon, but he soon learned that Tal’ysin remained misguided. He did not believe that worshipping elves was wrong, only that the priests had gone about it the wrong way. None of Virraddon’s arguments could move him, and in fact Tal’ysin was almost slain upon calling the elf Thorn [Mike Parker], who was passing through the camp, “Treasured One.” This hardened Virraddon’s heart, and he began to realize that if change was to be brought to Dakkor, it would have to be by fire and sword.

Kellyn was fleeing DeMekrian officials after killing an officer who attacked her mother. Indeed, a pair of bounty hunters, Dirk and Vandal [Dave Miner and Dale Brodt], attempted to make off with her, and Virraddon and Tal’ysin helped thwart their attempt. During this encounter and several others with lizard men of the nearby swamps, Virraddon found that the magiks he had done well with in study were not nearly so easily cast in battle, and he resolved to strengthen his skills at every opportunity.

They spent some time then conversing with other travelers, including an Irroquin Herald by the name of Randall [Dale Brodt] who regaled them with fabulous tales of Irroquin; Sir Bavare Lavosh [Rob Carpenter], a paladin of Gallura, and his companion Lao Fu; and the strange siblings Otto and Olivia Gosslar [Ingrid DeBeus], fighting nobles who seemed on a holiday more than an adventure. But that evening a contingent of Tocard arrived and attempted to forcefully convert all in the camp (Virraddon was luckily overlooked and managed to hide throughout the event). When more zealots came the next day and began to force some to worship against their will (such as the beastman Dermott [Dave Miner]), the similarities between their plight and the condition of the Dakkorans was too much for Virraddon to ignore. Along with many others, he helped defeat the Tocard and felt slightly vindicated.

As they prepared to leave, Tal’ysin was overcome by sorceries, flailing in agony on the ground and begging to be killed. Virraddon dispelled some of the enchantments, but some he could not break. Though Tal’ysin seemed physically unharmed, some great sadness of heart was upon him. Worse, he could not remember who had cast these magiks, though Virraddon surmised that it must have been an elf named Samuel [Aaron Lyle] who accompanied the Halgudarian refugees—but he had no idea why the elf would so ensorcell his friend. Kellyn, Tal’ysin, and Virraddon accompanied Olivia and Otto, boarding a ship bound for Irroquin.

A few passengers had failed to make ship, and as is the custom their goods were divided among the crew. Two books were found among the belongings, and since the shiphands had no use for them, the captain presented them to Virraddon. One was an untitled book in an unfamiliar language—the other was a tome of magik entitled The Arts of War and Defense. Virraddon spent much of the voyage engrossed in that tome and learned several new enchantments. Using some of these he discovered that, though Kellyn believed her sword to be cursed, it actually carried a powerful warding enchantment. He was shocked to find that upon their landing, Kellyn immediately sold it to some passing sailor for a pittance. Virraddon quickly tracked down the seaman and related the origin of the blade (that it had been used in the murder of its original owner, a DeMekrian official)—the sailor was happy to sell it for little more than he had paid. Virraddon wrapped the sword in cloth and hid it among his belongings.

Irroquin proved both expensive and gaudy, and Tal’ysin lost himself in drinking, gambling, and wenching, much to Kellyn and Virraddon’s distress. Then Kellyn received word through Olivia that her mother was ailing. She gave to Virraddon much of Tal’ysin’s moneys (which she had taken “for his own good”) and asked that he keep watch over the distraught soldier. Virraddon was taken aback at this display of selflessness but assented, and they agreed to meet in Quivera when they could.

During this time, Virraddon had discovered that the hexes upon Tal’ysin made him forget something of vital importance and was locked in place with an enchantment of permanency. Though he believed he might be able to break it, he wished to discover the enchantment’s exact nature before such an attempt and resolved to travel to Halgudar (having heard very little about that country) and make Samuel answer for his actions. Tal’ysin offered no resistance, and the last of their moneys paid for passage in June of that year. They were dropped on a stony beach on the southern coast.

Halgudar proved far worse than Virraddon had imagined—daily the pair had to fight for survival, avoiding what conflict they could and fighting in desperation when they had no other choice. Tal’ysin was sunk so deep in despair that he seemed not to notice, fighting viciously and with suicidal abandon. Luck and fate alone brought them north and east until they reached the border of the Badlands, though they heard nothing of Samuel.

Surrounded by graves and dodging Rynith patrols (who had recently annexed the area), Virraddon, knowing that Tal’ysin had to be freed before they both were killed, enlisted the help of Sir Bavare Lavash (who was also there) to keep watch while he attempted to break the enchantment cast about his friend. Placing Tal’ysin within a warded area, Virraddon called upon the forces of the Earth, Water, Fire, Air, the Sun, and Tal’ysin’s own spirit, each to break a portion of the spell cast upon him. Tiring and desperate, he made Tal’ysin promise that once the spell was undone, he would not take up any quest or make any decision about his future path without Virraddon’s approval, for he feared the soldier would once again take up his misguided worship of the Elves. Tal’ysin agreed and Virraddon broke the remaining spell; the mage collapsed in exhaustion, and Tal’ysin simply sat, stunned from the dispelling—and then he began to weep.

When Tal’ysin recovered, he was outraged and demanded to know why Virraddon had not dispelled the enchantment sooner, why he had let Kellyn go off on her own, and how he could have let him suffer so. Virraddon’s protests were to no avail, and though Bavare advised Tal’ysin to be grateful, the soldier would not find it in him. When the ward was dispelled, Tal’ysin grabbed Virraddon and put his sword to the mage’s throat, muttering threats. If Bavare had not waylaid him at that moment, Virraddon is uncertain what might have happened next. Angry, hurt, and confused, Virraddon fled into the wilderness.

He spent long hours in contemplation and soul-searching, asking himself if he had gone too far or had erred in his judgment. He had just resolved to ever be wary of corruption when the sounds of battle across the valley interrupted him. He ran and found a great conflict with warriors battling strange, twisted beasts that had emerged from the badlands. Virraddon held one fast and attempted to speak with it, but its only utterance was the word “pain” screeched in crazed tones—the warriors were forced to dismember and burn all of the tortured creatures.

After the battle, Tal’ysin approached Virraddon, apologizing for his earlier words and offering his friendship once again. Virraddon accepted, and though their bond was altered, it still held. He gave Tal’ysin his moneys and also the enchanted sword, since the soldier would be far better able to use the weapon.

Together, the two met a Veldron Knight named Martin [Aaron Lyle], and they attempted to save a Halgudarian peasant who had turned spy for Rynith from the hands of a band of adventurers who had captured her, but were unsuccessful. Later, the knight asked Tal’ysin and Virraddon to accompany him to meet with companions he awaited on the road. Along the path they were beset by bandits out of the Badlands, and though Martin cast a protective spell and the trio were not harmed, they could not escape. Finally the bandits held Tal’ysin and Martin as surety while Virraddon went back to the camp to fetch food. He tried and was unable to hit upon a plan to free his friends, and was forced to give up a good store of provisions to them (though he did surprise them by appearing from nothing in their midst thanks to a spell of concealment, with which Virraddon was somewhat pleased).

Meeting Auberick, Run-ins with Rynith, and the Journey to Akkoria

That evening they passed in the company of others, including Garn [Dave Miner], a Gesnor blacksmith. As the night passed, a huge man approached them in a friendly manner—he presented himself as Azog [Andrew Gaughen], and with little fanfare invited Virraddon, Tal’ysin, and others by name to accompany him to meet his “drinking friend.” Upon following, the group found themselves transported to some otherworldly place and in the presence of Auberick [Dale Brodt], Lord of the Forest Fae. All were invited to drink, and Virraddon was shocked to find the jug pressed to him contained cider from his family’s orchard.

Auberick revealed his great knowledge of their histories and provided advice to each in turn. To Tal’ysin he apologized, for the soldier had somehow heard “the call of the Fae,” and urged him not to pursue worship of the elves (for which Virraddon was unendingly grateful); as for the mage himself, Auberick wished him well upon his studies, but also warned him of its dangers. Virraddon was unsure of what to make of this audience afterwards, but upon speaking once more with Azog, he took it as a rare opportunity to meet a being of great goodwill.

The next day Virraddon and Tal’ysin left to meet Kellyn. However, the land they passed through had just been annexed by Rynith, and quickly they met a contingent of the Guard and were taken captive. They were taken to a series of mines where, through Virraddon’s magik and Tal’ysin’s cunning, they escaped and freed their fellow prisoners. Now wanted outlaws, they made their way cautiously through southern Rynith until one afternoon when Tal’ysin scouted ahead while Virraddon covered their trail. As he was looking for his companion, the mage came across a strange creature which he first took to be a beastman (but which he later learned from Tarrik Aldarion was an Arbiter named Tyrus [Michael Slusser]). He followed the creature until it came upon another group of the Rynith Guard, then broke off his pursuit. Concealed again by magik, he crept around the encampment; when he drew near again, he found the creature gone but Tal’ysin taken by the guard—and, shockingly, Kellyn and Olivia among the other prisoners. He heard several Guards making plans to turn in Kellyn for the price on her head in DeMekrium, but eventually they unbound the prisoners and let them roam freely in the area, trusting that they could not escape. Virraddon rejoined them, as well as several other travelers in the area who were camped in the burnt-out remains of an inn.

Among these travelers was Otiluke [Mike Budzik], a barbarian of Fer-Garruth, and Gault Fernwood [Andrew Gaughen], a mage and scholar of Akkoria on a mission to study monsters. In this capacity he had tamed and befriended a Goblin warrior called Burgle [Dave Miner]. Gault had studied under Chrysolaris, a mage whose words Virraddon had often read, and he found the pair to be affable and excellent company. However, Kellyn was heavily hooded, and Virraddon soon learned that the message of her mother’s illness had been a ruse of the DeMekrians to lure her back to that country—she had escaped their trap but had been badly burned in the process.

As the day wore on and the travelers went about various tasks, word came that Gault had been injured by a strange and hideous creature in the woods. Most of the camp went to investigate, but Tal’ysin and Kellyn, exhausted from their ordeal as prisoners, stayed behind as guard. Virraddon found that the rumored creature appeared to be a man fused with a spider (though, thankfully, Gault remained unharmed). The travelers spent some time trying to subdue the creature when yet another message arrived: Tal’ysin had been killed while the others were absent.

Virraddon ran back to the camp to find these words true: Tal’ysin was dead and Kellyn wept over his body. She revealed that he had been accused by one of the Guard of killing his brother on the battlefield and had challenged him to single combat. Weak as he was, Tal’ysin was dispatched by his opponent. Virraddon, enraged, confronted the Guard and demanded vengeance—they seemed amused at this unlikely challenge, but suggested they had a scroll which could call back a dead soul and would be willing to part with it for a price. Quickly Virraddon and Olivia gathered up what precious items they could and traded them for the scroll.

The entire encampment carried Tal’ysin to a holy glade which had been discovered earlier (and in which no harm could befall any); Virraddon claimed the right to cast the spell and did so. Great words of power passed his lips and called to Tal’ysin’s soul across the void. Also, at Burgle’s urging, many shared their blood with the fallen soldier, which they believed would give him more strength. Finally the spell was cast and Tal’ysin was returned as the others wept and laughed.

The commotion attracted a group of Orcs and Goblins, but they could not attack any in the glade. As the travelers discussed vengeance, Virraddon and Gault hit upon a plan, quickly casting spells over the creatures to calm and tame them. Backed by these formidable warriors, they again confronted the Guard, who this time seemed far less inclined to hold their ground. Virraddon refused their offer of truce and told them to run—when they did not, the Orcs and Goblins leapt to the attack, routing them. Virraddon knew then that he had it within him to lead men in battle and could do what was necessary to free his countrymen.

That night the travelers held mute celebration while Tal’ysin regained his strength. They had been warned by a Rynith native that those woods were cursed, home to what was called the Bonedance in which, each year, the unquiet dead rose from their graves to plague the living. But that event was far off, so the alarm was great that evening when foul undead began to invade the camp. Virraddon helped fight the creatures as others fled for the holy glade, but he was overcome and drained by one of the fiends; thankfully, others found his body and helped him to the glade.

Then a dark mage arrived accompanied by an undead creature of fearsome power. They confronted the travelers, injuring Gault and Burgle grievously. They then went on to prepare some foul ritual and when it could not be completed, the mage turned upon the travelers, insisting that they carried some item vital to his plans and if they did not return it to him by morning, he would kill everyone.

The travelers resolved to fight the mage and seeing that he was never without his spellbook, Virraddon cast a concealment spell on one of the company who stole the tome. Virraddon inspected it and found that it was a tainted grimoire which somehow contained some piece of the soul of an evil being. Though the book returned to its master through dark magiks, they did discover that it was a key that the mage sought for, to somehow bring this being back to the living realm.

Again Virraddon cast his magiks and the book was again stolen—the travelers carried it to a vast area in which no magik functioned which had been discovered earlier. There they destroyed the book and key, and found that the mage was simply an apprentice who had stumbled upon the evil tome, which had then possessed him.

When all was done, Gault made a generous offer beyond Virraddon’s hopes: he invited the mage to return with him to Akkoria and study in the libraries of Kor Mydrin (where his sister held high station). Virraddon could not refuse and said as much to Tal’ysin and Kellyn. They, meanwhile, had been afforded respect by Burgle, who offered to take them with him to his people, Fulgar’s Horde (since Tal’ysin was now a Goblin in spirit), which lay in the same direction. Otiluke offered to travel with them as well.

Virraddon and Gault arrived in Kor Mydrin a few weeks later, having left the others with the Horde. He studied there for some months, learning much about history and politics, war and magik. He wrote two letters—one to the Council of Doro Y’Edhel, the other to the Queen herself—recommending that they utterly wipe out the vestiges of the Dakkoran religion and offering his services to aid them if they would have him. He also penned a letter to Tal’ysin, acquainting him with his plans to visit the elven homeland and asking for his company. He did find someone to take the message to Fulgar’s Horde, but was unable to find one willing to take the others across the continent.

Flight from Akkoria and Aiding Tarrik's Quest

These were happy months for him, but they were not to last. In the winter he and Gault were invited to the Golden Siren, an inn of some repute run by a female dwarf named Emerald Runewright [Jen Groniger] for the celebration of a festival called Hearthhallowing. The evening began well, but while waiting for Gault to arrive, Virraddon discovered a notice on the common board proclaiming a price on his head (and also that of Tal’ysin) offered by the Rynith government. (He had earlier learned that DeMekrian officials sought the two in connection with Kellyn.) Since many sailors and mercenaries were among the guests (including a manic DeMekrian siege engineer and mercenary named Von Krieg [Dave Miner]), Virraddon became very wary, especially when he learned that there was a masked man looking for him at the inn. When Gault arrived, Virraddon quickly drew him aside and explained the situation to him—Gault spoke with the masked man, then met Virraddon in a back room where he delivered what the stranger had been carrying: a letter from Tal’ysin, accepting the offer to travel to Doro Y’Edhel.

The evening seemed to be improving when an aged Rynith ambassador arrived with her entourage of troops. They sought to speak with Virraddon and Gault, but Virraddon hid himself with magiks so as not to be seen. Through careful maneuvering, he made his way back to the private room where they had retired to speak with Gault and other Akkorian representatives. They demanded that Gault and Virraddon be handed over for trial in their country. Eventually they left to await an answer. Gault concluded that, as a nobleman, he was immune from such prosecution, but he could not promise Virraddon the same. He did speak to other officials on Virraddon’s behalf, as well as giving him a sum of gold coins and a number of amulets he had won years before from Fulgar’s Horde (and which showed the wearer to be a shaman, as he knew of Virraddon’s desire to find Tal’ysin and Kellyn again amidst the Goblins).

Virraddon, while enduringly grateful to Gault, could see no way to escape until the mercenary Von Krieg offered to aid him in return for the names of other mages who might help him in his cause of insurrection against his homeland. Virraddon reluctantly agreed and the next day, after the DeMekrian met with a number of Akkorian officials, they set out southwest. A few days later, they came upon the outskirts of Fulgar’s Horde, and Virraddon was able to question several Goblins. Many knew of his friends, but none knew where they were, as they had gone with the raiding parties. Unable to locate his companions and fearing to travel further with Von Krieg, Virraddon left a handful of gold coins as payment and fled the company in the night.

Trapped in Rynith in the dead of winter, Virraddon traveled the empty roads cautiously, heading south. He found the border to Myere guarded by the Green Guard, but was fortunate enough to join a late caravan crossing the lowest of the passes in the Maqueh Peaks into Nost’Karé. The caravan was headed by a Jabin Nasir [Michael Slusser] and made its way to the estate of Raman Tak’emir, a young nobleman who had just come into his fortune after the death of his uncle. Raman had inherited a vast library of which he knew little, and hired Virraddon to work with one of the few servants who had stayed on, Cabul, to sort the stacks and estimate their worth.

Virraddon passed five months at this job and enjoyed it greatly. Among the tomes were some on magik, including a book whose Nost’Karéan title was The Progresses of the Mind and Body, by Shaul-Hazar, from which Virraddon learned several more spells. The work was done by late spring and Raman offered to hire Virraddon permanently, but the mage had heard word of the changes in the Dakkoran war—that the alliance between his countrymen and the Drow had been broken, and even that the elves had made truce with them. Wanting more than ever to deliver his letters and rejoin his friends, he left in early summer.

He traveled through Rynith, cautious not to meet any of the natives, and had almost reached the borders of the Horde when he was nearly captured by a contingent of the Guard. He escaped using his magiks, but had to flee westward into Akkoria. He had hopes that their search for him there would be lessened after the long winter.

Though his going was hard, pleasant dreams visited him in sleep, in which Auberick and his friends appeared—and in August of 498, at a crossroads in Kor Chercen, he met again with Emerald Runewright and her sister, Amber, in the company of several young elves. The elves were attempting to make enough coin to board ship, as many of their countrymen across the land were returning to Doro Y’Edhel—and though Virraddon longed to find his friends, the chance to sail directly to the elven homeland was sorely tempting. He had still heard no word from the local Goblins of Tal’ysin or Kellyn.

One afternoon, a strange man in black leather armor, bedecked with knives, entered the encampment. He was affable enough, but as he left he grasped Virraddon’s hand in both his, muttering “Be gone,” and some loathsome spirit entered the mage. He could not speak of it, but he could feel that it lingered in him, sapping his strength to recover from wounds. He carried this spirit for nearly a day, and was later able to make it enter the same man who had let it possess him earlier.

Later that afternoon, the local travelers told of a great battle that had taken place among many strange folk, and a Knight of Veldron approached Virraddon just after he had received the foul spirit. He presented himself as Owen of Veldron [Mike Budzik], and he knew Martin. In asking the knight if his party had met with any Goblins, Virraddon mentioned his association with Gault and Burgle, whom the knight also seemed to know. As they spoke, many others of the knight’s acquaintance approached—another Veldron called Mordecai [Ernie Burnett], two Beastmen (one in part lion, whom he later learned was called Risha [Andrew Elkins], the other a bull [Ken Kurras]), an elven knight of the Order of the Black Rose, and a fair-haired and skinned man who held himself apart. When Owen related to them Virraddon’s friendship with Gault and Burgle, they questioned him intensely until they were satisfied of the truth of his tale. It was only then that their leader approached—Tarrik Aldarion [Dale Brodt], a mage and scholar who was well-spoken and affable. All of them seemed reluctant to speak too closely of their doings, but they were looking for their guide, Peralton [Jason Ryan], who had disappeared. They allowed Virraddon to assist them, as he hoped in their journeys to encounter other Goblins to question.

They wandered for some time, until many of them withdrew with Tarrik to discuss some matter concerning ancient ruins of a long-lost civilization called the Consortium, of which Virraddon knew little save for a few mentions of it made in old books. He found himself alone with Mordecai and Manasseh Math’elmarinir [Devin Parker], the Black Rose knight, who asked him of his background. Though Virraddon had much trepidation, he had resolved to tell the truth, and spoke at length and with tears of where he had come from and what had happened to him. He feared that the elf would slay him on the spot, but in grim, cold tones the Black Rose said he believed that men could change and that even such a man as Virraddon could find forgiveness in the eyes of his people. The elf then quitted the company, leaving Virraddon stunned and drained.

Having no luck in finding the guide, the party returned to the camp to be confronted by bizarre magikal beings—three suits of seemingly empty armor which moved and spoke and which Tarrik addressed as “Adcar.” These beings seemed somehow tied in with Tarrik’s quest and made it known in stilted language that the two Beastmen were not part of the prophecy and therefore could no longer continue in Tarrik’s company. They then proceeded to slay the Beastmen, and though Virraddon leapt to aid them, others held him back—apparently they had met these creatures before and knew they could not be bested. After they had gone, Tarrik moved to bring Risha’s soul back to his body, but they left the other.

Upon return to the encampment, they were met by two Akkorian Heralds [Ken Kurras and Cabernet Baugh] in white livery, who spoke first to Tarrik and then to Virraddon. They had come to impart that Virraddon was still sought by the Akkorian government, though they swore not to reveal his presence for as long as they were able. They also had news of great woe—Gault had been assassinated in Kor Mydrin. Virraddon was filled with rage and sadness, and in an inferno of emotion and magikal energy, he broke his staff in two and strode away from the encampment as if to take on the evils of the world on his own. He was stopped by Mordecai and one of the Heralds, who convinced him that such action would be a pointless sacrifice. When he asked them why Gault had been killed, they informed him that he had been doing research for Tarrik. Virraddon found a new focus for his anger and stormed back to the camp, taking up Tarrik by his collar and demanding to know how many more men had to die for the sake of his mission and how many had already given their lives so he might learn a few more magikal tidbits. Tarrik merely muttered in his grief that it had been too many, and Virraddon let him go and fell to the ground (not knowing how close he had come to being attacked by Tarrik’s companions for his actions).

After they had recovered, Tarrik made known to Virraddon the true seriousness of his quest—how they sought knowledge so they might prevent the Arbiters from destroying the world. They could not share all, but they provided treasures and texts which convinced him of the validity of their mission. Virraddon retired from them for a time to contemplate all that he had learned, until later that evening when Azog of the Fae reappeared, asking for Risha, Manasseh, and Virraddon to accompany him to see Auberick. Virraddon was much looking forward to meeting with the lord of the forest Fae once more, but when they had reached their destination, a great weariness came over him, and he assumed that he slept for a long while, for when he awoke Auberick had been and gone. He has since learned that Auberick, unable to appear in the flesh, spoke through him at that time, using his body as a sort of mouthpiece. Virraddon is awed and fascinated by this fact, and its full ramifications he has only guessed.

That night the encampment was visited by a party of dark Fae, who seemed there to taunt the members of Tarrik’s party about some past encounter, but the experience made Virraddon very uneasy. Later, by the light of the full moon, those who had known Gault held a ceremony for him in a clearing in the wood. Many, including Risha, Tarrik, Emerald, and Virraddon, spoke words in his honor, and Manasseh performed a simple elven ceremony of passing.

The next day they parted company. Virraddon offered to aid Tarrik’s party on the quest, feeling some sense of connection with them. They could not take him with them, but suggested that if he wished to help, he might carry on the searches Gault was engaged in in the libraries of Doro Y’Edhel. Then Tarrik’s party left for Kor Mydrin, and Virraddon went to board ship for Doro Y’Edhel. He and the elven children found passage aboard The Mad Sachem’s Last Request, a sleek vessel of dubious reputation captained by a Nost’Karéan named Notilos Iajo Hexamon [Michael Slusser]. They made terrifically good time and made harbor at Doro Y’Edhel in less than three weeks.

Acceptance by the Elves and Finding a Home and Honor in Doro Y'Edhel

With some trepidation Virraddon made his way to Dun Y’Estel, meeting friendly assistance when he made known his desire to visit the capitol. He soon came to feel more open with the citizens of the Silver Forest and enjoyed the festival of music that was in progress when he arrived. He had almost forgotten his letters to the Council when one day he was approached by an elf in official raiment; she identified herself as Allithea [Marilyn Parker], a “servant” of the Council. She lead him to Laurëa Thrond, leaving him to make his own choice as to which door to use to enter the Chambers. Eventually he settled upon the Door of Petition.

Virraddon was awed by the sight of the Chambers, as well as the feeling of magik and ancient power that swept through the place. The Council spoke to him in flowery Xarian, and he made answer as best he could, repeating the message written in his letters. After answering their questions and listening to them converse with one another in Edhelkwen, they informed Virraddon that they had decided to grant his petitions. They bade him to choose to stay in Doro Y’Edhel and aid them in understanding the people of Dakkor.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Virraddon quickly embarked on the orders of the Council, splitting his time between study in the libraries of the Door of Wisdom and the Door of Arcanum and traveling to the eastern front of the war with Dakkor. In the libraries, he was always accompanied by Allithea who served as translator for the tomes and between him and elves who spoke no Xarian. He searched much for knowledge of the Consortium, though little of it seemed of use to Tarrik—it mainly consisted of reports from Elven Ambassadors to that nation and some description of its majesty and power. However, Virraddon’s own pursuits found much matter—he learned yet more of Xarian history, some small passing knowledge of Edhelkwen, and some new magiks.

On the front, Virraddon spent much of his time in conversation with General Adalomé, a learned and cunning elf commander. Adalomé asked few questions as to tactics (as Virraddon had few such answers), but rather inquired as to what the Dakkoran people were like—Virraddon concluded that the general wished to know as much about his enemy as possible. The two held many long exchanges, and Virraddon grew to much respect for the elf who was warrior, leader, scholar, and tactician.

He did serve in combat as well, aiding the elves in their battles, especially against the Drow. After one particular skirmish in July of 499, in which Adalomé’s men had lured their enemy into a trap and cut them down, Virraddon was aiding in the odious task of searching the bodies before they were burned. He found upon one Drow a strange metal amulet with familiar-looking runes that did not seem of elvish design. He carried this back with him upon his return to Dun Y’Estel. In the Library of Wisdom, he confirmed that the runes were indeed of the Consortium and determined that this piece might be of interest to Tarrik.

Later that week, while in study, Virraddon suddenly became aware that the library was unusually quiet, without even Allithea’s accustom noises. Upon looking up, he was shocked to see a ragged human with a scar running from his hairline to his left cheek and a patch over his left eye. He spoke Virraddon’s name with a smirk and seemed amused by the mage’s startled reaction. He said his name was Torrin [Dave Miner], a friend of Tarrik’s, and informed Virraddon that Tarrik needed his aid—not in research, but in the field. A final conflict was coming, he suggested, and told Virraddon to meet with Tarrik at the Arena of Bolcora as soon as might be. With that message, he walked from the room and spoke a few words of Edhelkwen to Allithea, who then re-entered and took her accustomed place. She aided Virraddon to find a series of atlases until he was fairly certain he knew of the location of Bolcora.

Intending to make his plans known to the Council, Virraddon once again entered Laurëa Thrond—but on this occasion, he was met by two Black Rose knights who spoke to Allithea in their own language. When they finished she turned to Virraddon and wished that Moére would make his paths green, calling him “former seeker of truth and future defender of all.” Virraddon was startled—and was further stunned when the Black Rose did not allow him to follow her, but lead him to the Chambers through the Door of Heroes.

The Council stood as he entered, dispelling his notion that they might be honoring the knights. Mae’dhrin Fyndaris, the representative of the Door of Heroes, spoke his full name, also calling him “former seeker of truth and future defender of all,” and welcomed him to Laurëa Thrond. The Council knew his message, for Queen Thielora Regalia herself had informed them of his coming. Fyndaris spoke to the effect that Her Majesty and the Council wished him to know that he had a home in Doro Y’Edhel whenever he chose and that the Queen had appointed the two Black Rose—Tuliar and Cyl’drin—to accompany him on his way. He ended by bidding Virraddon the fortune of the Gods on his quest, and that the forest should give him peace. The entire Council bowed, which he returned as best his composure allowed.

Virraddon left the Chambers overcome with emotion and packed for his journey. Though many he met seemed to regard him as a condemned man, he nevertheless was overjoyed by the Council’s message and eager to become a part of this momentous event.

The Tenth Arena and Banishment

One afternoon of the journey in late July, the trio was beset by black-cloaked Drow with masks of human skin. The battle was terrible, and both Tuliar and Cyl’drin sacrificed themselves so that Virraddon might escape. He hated to leave, but the look Tuliar gave him told him that she did not wish her sacrifice to be in vain. He traveled as quickly as he could north, not daring to stop for sleep, until he arrived in the vicinity of the Arena without meeting another soul.

There he found Tarrik and his party, to whom he related his story and turned over the amulet. It was indeed of some importance to them—it turned out to be only a part of a larger talisman, which would help its wearer resist the effects of the Godstone, a mighty artifact held by Tarrik’s dread adversary, the mage Jadyn Stancliffe [Andrew Gaughen]. On each hand they recounted their doings of the past year, and Tarrik informed him that they now sought an archway through which they might travel to the site of this final conflict. That evening, Peralton, their lost guide, finally returned to them, and while Virraddon was meditating in the woods, many of that party suffered from terrible dreams in which they saw vision of failure—Virraddon slept without dreaming throughout the night.

The next day, word reached them that a stranger was in the vicinity of the Arena. Upon going to investigate, the man claimed to know Tarrik, who went forward to meet him. When he returned, he was in the company of Gault Fernwood. Virraddon was stunned, but Gault merely greeted him mildly and went about his business as he always had. It was some time before the Akkorian noticed Virraddon’s distress and explained that the assassination had been staged as a ruse for his enemies—he could then carry on his investigations with impunity. Virraddon was overjoyed to see his friend again, but there was little time for rejoicing as the party was forced to deal with an errant Death Mage and then had to make their way to the aforementioned arch.

Days later the arch was located, as well as some missing members of the party—Manasseh, who had scouted ahead, as well as a strange man by the name of Angus Belch [Matt Watson]. Angus—or a being possessing Angus—opened the archway and the party rushed through. On the other side they were met by a contingent of armored soldiers bearing red shields. Tarrik’s party seemed to recognize these warriors, and an older man stepped forth and welcomed them to Dominia. Virraddon had read about that place but had assumed it had long ago died out. The soldiers made it plain that the party was to meet with their leader, Magnus Rex, the Undying King [Dave Miner]. Their words of their leader lead Virraddon to suspect that the king was himself another Arbiter; Manasseh agreed.

Magnus Rex seemed human enough and gave the travelers leave to stay in his realm. Many more travelers began to appear in Dominia, each wearing a gold token given them by an Arbiter (of which there appeared to be nine). They were apparently meant to testify before the Arbiters—Tarrik himself hoped his voice would be heard in their final decision.

One of those who was transported to Dominia was Kellyn. Virraddon was shocked but grateful to see her. She and Tal’ysin had been well accepted into Fulgar’s Horde—indeed, she displayed some of the more feral Goblin characteristics. It was then that Virraddon finally accepted her as an ally. Even later, when strange, demonic beings attacked the camp and one forced Kellyn to raise her sword against Virraddon, they did not break off their friendship—and perhaps found it stronger.

Later that evening eight Arbiters appeared, and Magnus Rex threw off his disguise to reveal himself to be, indeed, the ninth Arbiter. Together they forged the Tenth Arena and settled to discussions among themselves of what they had witnessed in their time upon Xaria (though none other could hear these thoughts). The night was restless, plagued by dangerous beasts and fears of the next day.

On the morrow the Arbiters descended from their hill and began to take those wearing the gold amulets for questioning in the Arena. They bid none other to interfere in the questioning or even to attempt to look upon it. However, one of the first they took was Kellyn, and Virraddon was much concerned for her welfare and wished to know more of the method of judgment. Tarrik’s party seemed unconcerned, so the mage decided to investigate cautiously. He enveloped himself in a concealing spell and crept to the Arena.

He drew quite close, seeing that Kellyn answered questions put to her with a bowed head. As he approached the Arena, the Arbiter Tyrus suddenly thrust his arm through the protective ward and took Virraddon up by his collar. In reverberating tones the creature repeated, “None shall disturb the judgment.” Only one word did Virraddon recognize amidst the tumult of following words of power: “Banish.” Everything went black for him.

The Underworld

Virraddon awoke in a dark place. He at first had no memory of how he had come to be there and wandered in a daze for some time. The landscape was barren and foul and always dark—the sun never rose. Strange and tormented creatures were all around him, and Virraddon seemed somehow to be drifting, passing from one dark landscape of pain to another.

After a long time of turmoil, Virraddon began to piece together what had become of him. Many of the souls he met were continually tortured and bemoaned their fates, while others took delight in tormenting them. The mage finally realized that he had to be in the Underworld and was witnessing lost souls enduring eternal cruelty. Many took note of him and wailed their pain to him, but few could touch him. The other creatures who tortured them, too, took an interest in Virraddon and whispered foul promises in his ears and offered bargains he dared not take. Virraddon at first believed himself to be dead, but soon conjectured that this could not be true. For the first, he did not suffer as others did. Secondly, though they seemed somewhat rooted in a particular place, he continually passed on from one nether region to the next; though they often harassed and abused him, most of the beings there seemed unable to fell him unless he acquiesced to their offers. He finally pieced together that the spell of Tyrus must have banished him, living, to that place.

Virraddon suffered beyond his endurance during this time. He could not tell how much time had passed, and soon all became an evil blur to his senses. He was in endless darkness, surrounded constantly with pain, devastation, torment, and horror. He witnessed souls eternally burning; others butchered beyond living but still somehow animate and wailing; watched countless murders and corruptions replay themselves over and over. He felt hunger and thirst constantly, but could find no nourishment in that place—yet he did not waste away. He slept hardly at all, and did so within wards of dubious protective value. He could hit on no plan for escape. Demonic messengers came to him, making offers of power or rescue if he only gave up his soul to them or offered his body for their foul use. At times these creatures whispered cruelly of the hopelessness of his fate. These he did sometimes have to fight with magik, and always desperately. These evil spirits seemed to savor his despair, and sometimes appeared to him as those he had known in life, as if they had died, or even to suggest that they had come to rescue him. At times they appeared as members of his family, especially his father or his youngest brother Naxor; sometimes as Awen, the Totem from his youth; once as Tuliar, the slain Black Rose elf; and several times as Tarrik Aldarion, holding out hope for his liberation.

To survive, Virraddon became another man. He declared Hope his enemy, for he could not endure to constantly be crushed in spirit. He became obsessive in his rituals of movement, sleep, and action, and took to drawing symbols which he decreed to have power upon his skin with ashes. He would suffer no being to near him if he could prevent it, and fled from those he could not stop. He spoke often to himself, attempting to hold on to the strings of logic he could still relate. He read the few materials he had with him constantly—his spell book, his warrant from Akkoria, his journal (in which he could make few entries with no writing materials), his letter from Tal’ysin, and a scroll with a spell for removing geasa which he had acquired earlier. (Indeed, from this constant study, he was able to eventually devise how to cast his own geasa upon others and wrote this in his grimoire.)

Eventually Virraddon did end his drifting, fetching up in a loathsome realm of torment ruled by the demon lord Matthias [Kevin O’Hara]. In truth, Matthias held little power, having lost it to a mage whose soul had been bonded to him but had turned on his master and taken his place: Caspian, called there the Crimson King [Dale Brodt]. Many tainted souls proposed to take him to see the deposed Matthias, but Virraddon flatly refused.

He did not know how long he dwelt in that region, invariably roaming the landscape to escape the attentions of the inhabitants, when he came across what seemed to him another ruse: he saw a group of travelers and recognized at least Risha, the lion Beastman. Virraddon made quickly to pass them, but Risha called to him by name and attempted to stop him. Virraddon laid about him with spells, knocking several travelers off their feet and proclaiming that he would not again be deceived. But the travelers plead with him and offered proof of their corporeality, allowing the mage to look through a lens which would reveal truth—and, indeed, they were living creatures.

Virraddon nearly collapsed with shock, especially when Manasseh the Black Rose elf appeared as well. As a final test, he demanded water of them, and when they provided a skin, he drank deeply. The water was real (though he retched it forth almost immediately), and this last proof did cause him to fall to weeping. He could not understand how these former companions had come to be in that place, but he was overcome with gratitude that they would seek for him there. The later news that they did not seek for him, but rather for the soul of their lost companion Vadric [Dave Miner], did shock him and brought forth a kind of strange bitterness in his soul, but his amazement at their presence engulfed that for a time.

In their quest to free Vadric’s soul, they traveled about seemingly at random, which caused Virraddon a great deal of anxiety. They met the wizard Chump [Matt Watson], the mage who had inhabited Angus Belch in the realm of the living, as well as The Queen In-Between [Ingrid DeBeus], who did all she could to stay the party in their quest. Much went on which Virraddon did not understand, except that finally they came into the presence of the Crimson King. Virraddon feared him as he had few others, but somehow the party negotiated with him, for Caspian wished to return to Xaria and needed a spear of which Manasseh had come into possession. Finally the spear was handed over and Caspian opened a doorway to the living realm. Virraddon was the first to dive through it, and it took until the dawning of the sun to convince him that he had indeed returned.

Rescue, Return, and Madness

Manasseh and his companions quickly saw that Virraddon was still suffering, for he was clearly unwell and could abide no company—indeed, he was difficult and dangerous. They decided that he needed to be returned to Doro Y’Edhel posthaste, and they took him there as swiftly as they might. They stopped for an evening at Blind Theo’s Inn on the border, run by Blind Theo [Michael Slusser] himself. Virraddon was becoming progressively more paranoid and difficult—he would suffer none to touch him, and became nearly frozen with fear when in even small crowds. He would speak to none but those who had saved him. Several horribly scarred Doro Y'Edhel warriors, returned from the war with the Drow, approached the inn, their skin pierced with many thorns. (Indeed, they called themselves Thorn Elves.) Virraddon saw few of these, though, and hid through most of the night.

Upon returning to Dun Y’Estel, Virraddon was taken at once to Envinyel (the House of Healing) and put under the care of the healers there—he was nearly raving from fear and confusion at that time, often believing himself to be back in the Underworld once more or thinking that he was a dead man among the living. An elf by the name of Aradnael Farafel [Joanna Slusser] took charge of his recovery, nursing him back to health. For six months she sat with him every day, speaking to him and showing him the paths back from madness.

For his part, Virraddon slowly began to accept that he was not dreaming or cursed but had been rescued from the dark horror that had been his life—and though he had believed he had been lost for years, it had only been a span of eight months in the realm of the living. He was certainly not completely recovered, but he could abide the company of Aradnael, as well as that of Allithea who had come to see him soon after his return and visited regularly—she had struck a friendship with Aradnael and the two spoke often. The only other person Virraddon did not fear was Manasseh, on the few occasions that elf came to inquire of his health. Slowly the mage began to feel more at ease in the presence of others. Still none could touch him, for to do so was to risk a vicious response that seemed beyond the control of the mage, and he tested strangers to see if they were real or merely phantoms of his own mind. Though he was returned to more seeming soundness of spirit, still his fear did not leave him—for now that he was out of the Underworld, he lived in terror of returning there.

There in Envinyel, Virraddon began to note that the elves did not seem to suffer the same fear of death as did mortal men, and he began to remember of his readings that elves did not pass to the Underworld, but to the realm of the Fae from whence they had originally come—an idyllic if strange place by all accounts. Envy grew in him and nearly became bitter until an unwelcome sprig of Hope began to bloom in him—perhaps there was a way a mortal could enter that realm as well. He asked Aradnael if she would petition that he be allowed to study once again in the Libraries of the Doors of Wisdom and Arcanum, and she—believing that some object other than his morbid fears would do him well—consented. The Council lent its approval, and Virraddon began researching elven history and belief feverishly, believing that every moment that passed without gaining surety of his fate after his death was a moment of peril. He told no one what he was searching for, and taught himself nearly the whole of Edhelkwen and its ancient Fae roots that he need not ask for assistance from any others. He came to amass an impressive knowledge of ancient Fae legend and stories of the origin and nature of the Elves.

After only a few months of this, Aradnael began to doubt the wisdom of her agreement with the mage. He had come to be able to function in society, though he was far from being natural around others. Virraddon left the Houses of Healing eight months after his arrival, the Council having arranged for a small cottage for his use on the outskirts of the grounds of Laurëa Thrond. His secretiveness and lack of progress in his social abilities once he left the Envinyel disturbed her, but she could not seem to aid him any further, though she visited him nearly every day.

Virraddon continued to study for nearly a year and a half, consulting all sources he could lay his hands on, including a number of very ancient texts. He did not find everything he hoped for, but in a few very old tales he found reference to humans who had aided the elves, especially in the early days when the elves first began to separate from the Fae. A handful of these spoke words to the effect that these humans “did not die in the manner of mortal men,” and suggested that they were welcomed into the Fae realms. Virraddon learned a great deal of elven history, though he still struggled to understand how the Fae could be a people, a place separated from the mortal world, and a sort of essence or spirit at the same time. He also learned much of the elder Fae, including many tales of Auberick.

With these ideas in mind, Hope grew great in Virraddon. Such was his desire that he could not see beyond this wish of his soul. He resolved to find Auberick and sue for his clemency—he would implore the lord of the forest Fae to show him how to enter the Fae upon his death.

The Quest for Auberick's Tree

In some of the most ancient books, Virraddon found references to “Auberick’s Tree,” a great arboreal growth that somehow represented the Lord of the Forest Fae himself. Long ago, legends told, the Gods had destroyed Auberick’s Tree when he taught mages the use of magik. This sent Virraddon to even more ancient sources, and from their slight references the mage determined that the tree might stand in an area south of the Sacred Woods of Palrim—in present-day Lindora, near the city of Estera on the border of the Badlands. Virraddon also came to believe that if he could plant a new tree to replace the old, this might win Auberick’s favor and attention.

Armed with as much knowledge as he could muster and blinded to all else by this need, Virraddon petitioned the Council to allow him to depart on a private quest; though he did not believe they would object, he wanted their leave and blessing. He intended to go no matter what their decision—and in preparation, he took in secret a sapling growing from the ground near Lorëa Thrond, hoping that an offshoot of this most magnificent of trees in the Elven nation would be a suitable replacement for the lost Tree of Auberick.

The Council was long in debate—they would not or chose not to stop Virraddon, but they felt they had some responsibility for him, as they had taken him in and cared for him. They were somewhat concerned by his continuing odd behavior and that he would not reveal the nature of his search and called Aradnael to testify of her charge. She asked the Council to refuse Virraddon’s request, saying that he was not ready to travel the broad world and needed more time to convalesce. When they asked her if she would accompany Virraddon if they allowed him to leave, she agreed reluctantly. The Council thought long, then informed Virraddon that they would not stop him, but they would ask that Aradnael accompany him—along with others they might choose to send to aid him or pursue their own interests in the lands through which he passed. Virraddon, willing to tolerate whatever measures were necessary to ensure his departure, consented immediately.

At the same time, Manasseh Math’elmarinir, who had spent much time in Dun Y’Estel since his return, had heard about Virraddon’s petition and the Council’s approval. He volunteered to accompany his former companion on his journey, and the Council agreed. Allithea, still studying with Aradnael and concerned for her former charge, also attended the company.

Virraddon lead his companions eastward for nearly two months, moving slowly and consulting his maps constantly. During this time he remained difficult and evasive, often disappearing unexpectedly and avoiding all other contact than that of his friends. They had slowed considerably by the time they reached Lindora where they came upon a group of travelers in a valley in east of the country, huddled together for protection from raiding goblins and other dangers. Virraddon felt he was quite close to his goal and began hunting about for any signs or remnants of Auberick’s Tree, often leaving his companions to fend for themselves. Though many wandered the valley, Virraddon shunned them all, save a strange elf child all in green whom he later learned was named Ensorrel [Anna Jenkins]; Virradon had hopes she was of the wild Fae and might aid him to find Auberick’s Tree, but she was unable to help him. As well, a traveling band of Autumn Elves were passing through the area on some business of their own; Virraddon presented himself to them and asked after Auberick, but none of their party had seen the Fae lord.

It became apparent that a dark force held the valley in its sway, for bands of vicious barbarians and sinister mages roamed about—Virraddon had little part in this, as he had journeyed far into the wilds, though he did help others investigate a series of strange ritual circles, many of which held corpses or other vile remains. During this time he found a high cairn upon a hill from which an evil oppression seemed to flow almost palpably. As he continued alone, he came upon the entrance to a dark cave; despite the foul memories that welled within him, he braved its depths, only to be overrun by spiders and a violent foreboding. He fled in panic from the cave and collapsed at its mouth. When he came to his senses, all his old horror had resurfaced and he once again believed himself to be in the Underworld. At the approach of others calling his name, Virraddon fled.

He wandered, avoiding all contact with others, even those who appeared to be his companions, for he feared more trickery of his mind. It was not until the elf girl Ensorrel approached him and offered aid that he finally surrendered and allowed himself to be helped. Aradnael and Alithea guided him back to the camp and attended to him. Here he learned that during his absence, Manasseh had been set upon and nearly slain by the villains in the valley.

Several travelers had begun to be affected by some malady that made sunlight painful to them, and in the afternoon they were confronted by a drow who walked in the daylight and his minions. Virraddon fought tentatively, and it was others who drove the fiends from the immediate area. However, all were concerned for their return and fortifications of magik were erected (in which Virraddon had much part, but they proved to be quite ineffectual). In the night an ambassador from the drow approached the site, craving safe passage for his people to perform “religious rites” and promising safety for those in the valley in return. Manasseh treated with him and refused him outright. Virraddon, wishing to be some of some aid, was set as a watchman upon the cairn hill, but it soon became clear that evil was afoot in another local—a dwarf among the travelers, Castus Exilead [Ernie Burnett], had traveled the length of the dark cave and found a site of power beyond it. Together the travelers journeyed to the spot, only to find many of their number sorcerously under the sway of a drow priestess, who was stealing their ability to walk in the light and imbuing that power to her drow followers—and Manasseh was among those so ensorcelled. A great battle ensued of which Virraddon took little part, only seeking to aid those he could without endangering himself. Soon most of those taken were freed of their enchantments and the wounded party dragged themselves back to the camp. Virraddon went with Pestwyk [Mike Budzik], a half-elven mage who traveled with Castus, Ensorrel, and others as part of a group they called the Broken Nest to examine the cairn hill once more and look for stragglers; their trip proved uneventful, but the two spoke long of their studies and Virraddon felt a kinship with his fellow mage.

That night, Virraddon spent some time in further conversation of the nature of the Underworld with Pestwyk and a female necromancer named Talenin [Hillary Adams]; she had made a poor bargain with a demon and though she despised him and her kind, she felt helpless to escape her fate. Virraddon tried to counsel her to turn from that path before she was set irrevocably upon it. Before the conversation was fully over, however, he was shocked and euphoric to see Azog of the Fae among the travelers; the giant-kin directed him to a glade where Auberick himself was waiting to speak with him. (He wished to speak to Manasseh, Aradnael, and Allithea as well, but the three had fallen into a deep slumber after the night’s travails and could not be roused.) Virraddon went, and upon seeing the Lord of the Forest Fae, fell to his knees in gratitude. There followed a long and painful conversation during which Auberick was steady but gentle in his words. He thanked Virraddon for his aid to the elven people; he also seemed gratified and intrigued by the mage’s quest to replant his tree, but said that though the gesture was noble, there might be a better use for the sapling at hand, as it was a “pure” spirit. He spoke kindly of knowing of Virraddon’s long, painful journey and revealed to him a kind of dark spirit that had been clinging to the mage since his time in the Underworld, which promptly vanished under the Fae touch. He also gave messages and tokens for Virraddon to take back to his companions.

When Virraddon made known to Auberick of his desire to win a place in the Fae when he died, Auberick seemed sympathetic yet troubled. The Lord of the Forest Fae made clear that for a mortal to enter the realm of the Fae was no light undertaking, and then asked a question which made Virraddon fall to weeping: Auberick asked how he could allow into the Fae a man who was not even trusted by his closest companions. Recalling his actions, the maddening fears which plagued him, Virraddon was overcome with sorrow and despair. Auberick did offer him then some words of consolation and hope; he said he would seek for some quest by which Virraddon might attain his wish. Indeed, he spoke of the title given Virraddon by the Council—“Former seeker of truth and future protector of all”—and claimed that that prophecy had, perhaps, not yet been fulfilled.

Virraddon spent much of that night in thought, and by the next day had resolved to put behind him the madness that had dogged his days. He delivered his messages to his companions and then told the tale of his quest to the assembled travelers. He offered the seedling to be planted on the cairn hill so that it might cleanse the ground of its taint. Together the group made its way to the site and with bare hands (that they might not disturb the ground with metal tools) they dug out a place for it to rest. As they did so, Virraddon began hearing voices in his mind, whispering dark voices not unlike those of the Underworld, pleading with him to stop and promising him to fulfill his desires for immortality if he desisted. Though it was painful for him, Virraddon would not be moved, and with the aid of the others the tree was finally sown.

At this Virraddon felt empty. He was content that the seedling had been used so, but his hope for the quest he had so long pursued was ended and the vague prospect held out by Auberick seemed small and distant. He was free from his fear, but no other emotion came to replace it. Upon return to the camp, they found a company of Lindoran soldiers, some of whom questioned Virraddon about his Dakkoran background quite forcefully. It was also then that it was discovered that the soldiers had killed Talenin, as necromancy was a capital crime in their country, and they intended to take her body to be burned. Knowing the place toward which she was headed and desperate to preserve her chance to change her ways, Virraddon leapt beside her body and cast spells of repulsion to keep all else at bay. This standoff continued until Manasseh parleyed with the soldiers, vouching the lives of their party for Talenin’s. An agreement was reached by which all the party was forced to leave Lindora and take Talenin with them.

Virraddon was almost insensible to the closing of these talks, however, as he was shocked by the appearance of two faces from his childhood: Forrester and Jaciunde [Chris and Kevin Thomas], his twin brothers whom he had not seen in what seemed a lifetime. Their shock was the equal to his upon seeing him, but they leapt and embraced him despite his bafflement. They talked long with him, recounting the sad fate of Virraddon’s family. All had been questioned after Virraddon’s flight and some had become embittered. As their nation fell to war and turmoil and the magik of the priests fled, both their parents were slain, and Resphina was taken prisoner. Torvald, Cahoreau, and Claudius chose to remain with the army of Dakkor and fight for what remained of the old government; Forrester and Jaciunde themselves had fled the country and were making a living as farmers in Lindora. Of Carolan and Issa they had no word, but they revealed startling news of Naxor—they reported that he had taken to the hills of Dakkor and lead a rebel army against the old regime; the twins had some contact with him and spoke in glowing terms of his prowess. Virraddon was shocked almost insensible by this flood of joy and sorrow, and could not even eat the apple of his childhood orchard which his brothers presented him.

Soon the company was forced to break camp. It had been resolved that Virraddon, Manasseh, Aradnael, and Allithea would return to Doro Y’Edhel to report of the happenings in the valley, and because of the suspicion now cast upon them as his relations, the twins decided to accompany him; as well, it was discovered that nothing could be done to aid those who had been touched by the drow spells and they elected to go to the elven homeland to seek what healing they might find. The Broken Nest, too, agreed to travel with them as far as Quivera.

The trip was strange for Virraddon. He began to feel somewhat alive again for the first time in many years. He and Pestwyk spent much time in discussion, for the half-elf’s mother had been a Totem in Dakkor and their strangely shared history made for much talk; too, Pestwyk was all eager to set up a regimen of magikal study, and in this Virraddon found some of his former interest renewed. Yet slowly some of the emptiness crept back into his spirit, for he still had no solid hope for saving himself. He felt shame over his former behavior and vowed never to live within the fear that had bound him before (for it did no earthly good to do so), but nothing held great pleasure for him. Everything seemed fleeting and transitory to his eye; all the joy he beheld was tainted with the knowledge that too soon it would pass on and be lost. He became more serious and less likely to laugh than he had been of old, and some of his companions noticed a grimness about him still.

Upon arrival in Doro Y’Edhel, Virraddon returned to his former conventions. He lived still in his cottage and spent much time in study in the libraries of Wisdom and Arcanum. He left behind his fearful habits and spoke easily with those he met—but he did not speak much. In the following months the moniker of “Virraddon the Mad” was little used of him, but “Virraddon the Grey” was heard in the halls of Dun Y’Estel. He delved in to a study of death itself and the magikal thought on it; he refused within himself the ways of Death Magik, having seen so many of its practitioners snared in the Underworld by the very oaths they thought would protect them, but he read all philosophy and theory upon it he could find, calling his research “thanatosophy.” Even more, he continued his study of ancient Fae history, immersing himself in its lore and prophecy. He sought any word of Auberick, still seeking some quest (for he feared that the Lord of the Forest Fae, with no real conception of mortal time, might be long in finding any pursuit with which to win his place in the Fae). He continued to search for word of mortals who entered Fae upon their deaths. It came into his mind that the finding of Vesve of the Glades would be a great accomplishment and one certainly deserving of a boon, and he sought any lore of Auberick’s consort as well.

A Deputation from the Queen of the Elves

When Virraddon received word in April of 503 of his summons to Envinyel, he was much surprised. That he might hold court with the Queen had not occurred to him. Yet it was made known to him that his travels the previous autumn, his dealings with the Drow there and Auberick as well, and his thoughts on the former war against his homeland were all of possible interest to the ailing Thielora Regalia. It took much thought for Virraddon to accept his return to the place that had been the scene of so much of his madness, but he was loath to refuse so grand an audience. Indeed, it came into his mind that if he was able to speak with the Queen herself, he might solicit of her any worthy quest or task she might name that he might undertake on behalf of Her Majesty (whom he holds in a kind of awe even now that she has passed, as she was so close to the Fae), to give him some direction beyond the nearly unendurable waiting.

Many were gathered for the feast at the Envinyel, and it was allowed for those in attendance to make requests for an audience with the Queen. Virraddon sat and carefully penned a heartfelt request in Ancient Edhelkwen, begging Thielora Regalia to bestow on him some quest or service through which he might serve the elves. He was called in and met with the Queen's lady, Saetei [Haleanna Jenkins], who normally served as translator for the aged Queen. (Her Majesty spoke only the ancient tongue.) Virraddon felt honored and blessed to address Her Majesty directly and have her speak kindly of him. She promised to seek for an honorable disposition for him.

Later in the evening, a large, imposing man named Darrien [Andrew Gaughen] arrived, and there was much commotion as he was a member of the vile Sequestrum—Virraddon had heard of their order but had never confronted one of their members directly. He reacted in shock, then, when Darrien spoke his name and clearly seemed to know much about him. As he was surrounded by guards threatening him and was waiting for an audience with the Queen (which was, oddly, granted), they spoke little further. Darrien had come to make an “offer” of peace to the Queen—something about protection in return for grants of land—which was roundly rejected.

As the night drew on, many Black Rose knights and other officials gathered to discuss the Queen's ailing health. Virraddon had not been directly invited, but he managed to make his way into the Queen's chamber regardless and sat, listening intently, sorrow griping him both for Her Majesty's condition and the sometimes ruthless discussion of succession and power. He had thought the elves above such mundane concerns, but he saw then that they had their own politics and power struggles.

Amidst the discussion suddenly there appeared three of the mighty Ancient Fae—Auberick, Lord of the Forest; Baethis, Lady of the Sea Fae [Ingrid DeBeus]; and Curinor of the Mountain Fae [Aaron Lyle]. They spoke of the importance of the Queen's lost daughter (the first Virraddon had heard of her) and how her recovery might save the nation. Discussion began over who might be sent to seek for her, and Virraddon's heart froze when he saw the Queen point to his place in the shadows. Her Majesty said that Virraddon was the man to undertake the quest, much to the obvious consternation and even outright anger of many present. There was no open dissent voiced, however, and the gathering broke up without further resolution.

Virraddon wandered out in the courtyard of the Envinyel in a state of shock and dismay. That he might be appointed to such an important task, one he was not at all certain he might manage, and in his state... As he considered, new fire was forged in him, and he resolved that he would undertake the quest indeed, come what may, and prove himself thereby. With renewed spirit, he went to a conference of the Black Rose—made up of General Kyril Fëanor [Dave Miner], Manasseh, and Rand [Philip Lociano] and announce his intent to take up the quest. He asked for their aid, but made it clear that he would go whether they agreed or not. Their response was tepid at best, and Virraddon suspected (and later overheard a conversation that confirmed this suspicion) that the Black Rose doubted very much the Queen's choice.

The Quest for the Princess

Undaunted, Virraddon began preparations for the journey, studying any documents that might reference the Queen's offspring (though of these there were exceeding few), ancient tales that might hold clues (such as that of Auberick and the first Warders, those thieves who killed by unhappy accident an elven child who was taken by Auberick to the Fae and called a princess), and ancient maps that might hold some clues. He decided to journey to the edges of the Badlands where the Warders enacted their secret vigil to see if those tales of the princess were true. When he attended the Council before his departure, it was made clear that though they would not stand against him, neither could he hope for any help from the Black Rose or any elf. Virraddon was much disappointed in this, but he reiterated his vow and set out in mid-summer.

His journey was not swift, as it had been years since he journeyed alone and he was cautious. In early September, as he passed through northern Quivera, he was witness to the terrible event since called the Blood Sky. He was much shaken by this, as it seemed a portent of some vast danger and echoed the earlier disaster which had lead his Dakkoran people so far astray. Still, he saw little turmoil in his vicinity and continued on.

The next day he came to an encampment where the folk were in much disarray since the appearance of a dragon the day before. Virraddon was surprised to find some he knew in the group, including Tarrik (since made the Griffin of Magik of all Karandia) and others. To Tarrik he spoke little, knowing not how to address one who had become so great and yet whom he still, in his heart, faulted for not only not coming to rescue him (Manasseh and his party having come to the Underworld only to save the soul of Vadric), but had not even much noticed his disappearance. There he also met again Gault Fernwood, whom he would have liked to be able to spend more time in converse with (but who was distracted by the strange events of the day), and Saetei, whom Virraddon only then discovered was a Black Rose knight.

That evening, when many went to consult a great oracle, Virraddon went with them and beheld with fear the great Milgroos [Ernie Burnett], an ancient dragon who spoke to them from the other side of the veil between them and the realm of dragons. He spoke cryptically to many, and at his prompting Virraddon asked after his quest. Milgroos cautioned him that little was as it appeared and that many dangers lay ahead of him, some of which he might walk into of his own choosing. He also spoke of Virraddon's importance to many, but as with most oracles, was so vague that Virraddon was nearly as frustrated as when he had begun. Though many urged him to stay, he felt the Queen's quest pressing upon him and moved on that night.

Virraddon made Halgudar by October and spent nearly a month searching through Palrim and Lindora, moving always slowly and secretly, searching for signs of the Fae and the Warders but having little luck. As the weather became worse in the waning of the year, he moved more swiftly through Rynith to Akkoria, believing (rightly) that so much time had passed since his last sojourn in that country that none would bother about the old price on his head. He made his way to Kor Mydrin and, by the graces of the name of Gault Fernwood and his old acquaintances in the libraries, wintered safely there. He looked as he could through their collections for tales of the Fae and the princess, but so far from the elven homeland he found nothing of use.

It was a hard winter and Virraddon was unable to make west as quickly as he would have liked. When the roads were open, he journeyed through Rynith and into Halgudar, again keeping to the border of the Badlands and trying, in vain, to find some sign. He also began hearing rumors that Thielora Regalia had passed on the Fae, and that elves and elf-friends were gathering all over Doro Y'Edhel in conclaves for the ritual of Tel'Quessir Weeruva (“The people agree”) in order to decide the fate of the elven nation. In this he much desired to take part, remembering the arguments of the elves among themselves and fearful that the Council might move to take power for themselves, but he saw no way to cross the continent with enough speed to let his voice be heard.

A Journey to Tarnaal

One evening, frustrated from his failure and weary with constant skulking and searching, he approached a ramshackle tavern called the Drunken Drum. On its threshold he found a wounded soldier being attended by several of his mates, all of them in the usual despair and disrepair of Halgudari troops. Virraddon lent what aid he could, healing the man of many of his wounds, and in thanks the troops offered to buy him a drink within. Thanking them, he entered, but when he had done so he found himself in a close, dark tavern that bore little resemblance to the edifice he had entered; the soldiers did not follow him, either, and he found that he could not even return out the door by which he had entered.

Within this strange place were many folk of various stripes, including Rose Tanner [Constance Chamberlain], a bard he had met in Quivera after the Blood Sky; Aradnael, his old caretaker whom he was pleased to see once again; Risha, whom he had not seen since his recovery from the Underworld; and Gabriel of Veldron [Mike Antos], whom he had met at times before. He quickly learned that all present had stepped through the door of a tavern or inn somewhere within Xaria, all from far-flung lands, but all had ended up here. The travelers were in some consternation to understand the meaning of these events until the appearance of the barkeep, Sebastian Shrike [Kevin Thomas], who welcomed them to the Wandering Tavern. Somehow, the place was imbued with some eldritch enchantment by which it was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It was a strange and unearthly place, but the ale and food were good. The barkeep begged aid of all those assembled, telling a sad tale of his lost love, Princess Kali [Colleen Russell], who was once a princess in Tarnaal, the lost city of the Consortium. Virraddon was much intrigued by this occurrence: it had been said that Tarnaal had been destroyed when the Nine Mages of the Consortium had offended the Gods by trying to create life—specifically, a dragon—and that was the cause of the destruction of Auberick's Tree as well, for it was he who had taught them magery in the first place.

The travelers were first taken to the Thieves' Isles to recover a needed artifact called the Absence Mirror. When they arrived, they were witness to a hanging by a band of pirates; they quickly discovered that this was a staged event and that the man in question was innocent, and they lent their aid to rescuing him. In the melee, Virraddon was hailed by one of the pirates who seemed to know him but whom he did not recognize. The man was called Handsome Dane [Lance Menthe] by his crewmates, as he was the first mate aboard the ship Mercy, but after a few moments Virraddon was shocked to find himself looking into the face of his older brother, Claudius. Claudius acquainted him with his strange journey from Dakkoran soldier to pirate, recounting the terrible fate of the Gal'aurias family after Virraddon's departure, the suspicion they were forced to live under, and the depredations they suffered. Though his brothers Forrester and Jacuinde had welcomed him, Claudius was bitter and resentful. Many other events transpired, including delving into a Fae cavern to retrieve the mirror. (Virraddon himself entered but was told he must leave because of the aura of death that hung about him, which stung him.) Before they left, he and his brother came a kind of wary understanding, though it was not a warm reunion.

The Wandering Tavern then continued its strange journey, taking them to the heart of Tarnaal, a dark and blasted place presided over by strange folk who seemed to be living in a kind of inescapable dream, forced to move within a place without time, doomed to be forever trapped and unchanging. They were long in conference, though Virraddon held himself apart, more interested in studying the place than participating in the extraction of the princess. During his investigations he discovered a blackened dragon's claw of some great size adorning a stone, and before the princess was recovered took it for his own. He later understood that many present were mages and wished he had spoken with them, but the party had needs to make their escape quickly and there was no further time, else they would have been trapped in Tarnaal forever; though its inhabitants lived without the fear of death, their unending imprisonment in darkness did not appeal to Virraddon overmuch.

In thanks for their service, Sebastian gave each of the travelers a wooden Tavern Coin, which would allow them to re-enter the Wandering Tavern from the door of any inn if they so chose. He, though, was giving up the proprietorship of the inn since his love had been recovered, and some of the travelers took over its operations. Since the inn moved about at will, Virraddon chose to exit it at the far west of Quivera, just at the border with Doro Y'Edhel, that he might enter the elven land and participate in the Tel'Quessir Weeruva.

The Tel'Quessir Weeruva and the Rescinding of the Quest

As he journeyed into Doro Y'Edhel, hard on the southwestern border of Uragoth, Virraddon was shocked to see that the elven forest had been attacked: trees were burnt or damaged and some felled, and signs of battle were to be found. He had never seen this within the woods of the elven land before and guessed that with the Queen's passing, much of her magikal protection had passed from the land as well, and he mourned. Not far within the country he came upon a group met for the Tel'Quessir Weeruva, made up of elves (including some Black Rose knights and Brenn [Haleanna Jenkins], an elf he had met more than once in his travels), a few humans, and even a dwarven representative from Thorin. There was much discussion of the events of the past days and many attacks by monsters out of Uragoth, most of which seemed more coordinated than Virraddon would have expected. He had heard passing rumors of a monster army forming in Uragoth, but this was the first he had seen of their cooperation, and it frightened him, especially given the poor defenses of Doro Y'Edhel. He was pleased and amused, however, to be befriended by a satyr, Sebastian [Nick Bauman], who seemed to be alternately amused by and concerned for Virraddon's foibles, urging him along like a mother hen with a troublesome chick.

That night the conclave gathered about the fire to discuss their opinion, mainly divided between those who would give power over to the Council to choose a new ruler, and those who wished to wait until the Queen's true heir was found. Whatever the group decided, a messenger representing them would be sent on toward Dun Y'Estel, along the way to meet with others with the same function and vote again until finally a consensus would be reached by the time the decision reached Laurea Thrond. Virraddon, of course, was staunchly with those who would wait upon the heir, and he professed his quest and appointment by the Queen vehemently.

As the darkness deepened, the group was shocked when they were approached by a group of Drow, but when weapons were drawn, the Drow avowed they only wished to speak, calling themselves their ancient name Moro Y'Edhel and claiming the right that their voices should be heard as part of the elven brotherhood. Again the party was split, this time between those willing to hear the Drow voices and those unwilling. Virraddon was against their speaking, especially when at least two seemed to recognize him (and made vague promises about “helping” him with his quest for immortality—though they claimed they, rather than Auberick, could help him to find a place in the Fae, he knew enough of their deceptions to know that their promises would prove useless at best). They sowed dissension within the speech, proving their ill intent, and Virraddon moved on to listen to another group.

While he was thus wandering, a tall, imposing figured emerged from the darkness, and Virraddon recognized Curinor of the Mountain Fae, come from his stony abode to hear the talk and speak a few words. He seemed most intent on speaking with Virraddon, though he had many other tasks as well. As he waited for his audience with the ancient Fae, Virradon's hopes rose, thinking perhaps he had arrived with news of some deed he might undertake for Auberick or perhaps information to aid his quest.

Indeed, Curinor did speak of the Queen's quest and his knowing of Virraddon's desires to enter the Fae. But rather than offering hope or comfort, Curinor brought news that the quest was to be taken from him. Virraddon's soul became numb, and he barely heard as the ancient Fae patiently explained that it was not fated that a human, no matter how well intentioned, should be the one to find the lost princess, and though he tried to speak comfort to Virraddon, it fell on deaf ears. As a strange gesture of consolation, Curinor "gifted" Virraddon with the power of the stones: specifically, he granted the mage the ability to turn himself to stone as well, ostensibly so that, if he feared for his life, he might take that form as protection. The gift marked Virraddon, turning his smallest finger on his left hand to marble: ever since it has been cold and immobile. Virraddon thanked him absently, too taken up with the shock of the news to respond well. That hollowness did not leave him that night, and he settled to sleep with no thoughts, no hopes, feeling as empty as a shell.

In the morning, though the sun dawned brightly, Virraddon saw nothing but blackness. He took a bottle of wine he carried with him and drained it, seeking to once again numb the ache of loss that filled him, but it did no good. Since the night before had not settled the issue of the succession, the discussion continued by daylight. Virraddon spoke haltingly of giving up the quest, or rather of having it stripped from him, tears falling as he recounted his last hope gone. He then counseled that the heir should still be found but washed his hands of the decision. During this speech, he removed his glove—the one that had protected his hand since the night in the Envinyel when ailing Queen had taken it in her own—and threw it into the fire. He then returned to his drink, wanting only oblivion rather than pain.

Later, others came to him, asking if he would not return to Dun Y'Estel and share what knowledge he had gathered with those who would take up the quest after him, that they might benefit, at least, from the knowledge he had gained. Without other direction to turn and comforted by drink, he agreed, and that day they began for the elven capitol. Virraddon took no notice of the beauty of his adopted homeland during all that journey, hardly noticing their passage until they arrived at their destination.

Desperation and Exile

He spent some weeks gathering his research and maps and explaining what he already knew, all without much enthusiasm and sufficiently salved by elven wine. When his part was done and those who would take up his quest had departed, he returned to his cottage. His life took on a dull tone, with nights drinking himself to sleep (and some mornings and afternoons as well), and his free time spent in the Libraries. He had little enthusiasm for his former researches, but his habits and avoidance of boredom drove him, and he continued reading of ancient Fae history. He also began a half-hearted research of the Consortium (having exhausted most of that scholarship in earlier years) and their magik and dragons. Many months passed in this fashion, many of which he remembers only blearily.

His aimless lifestyle was ended in January of 505 when the elves passed their edict that no non-elf was welcome within their realm. Though rumors of this had been floating about for months, Virraddon had not credited them, and it wasn't until Allithea came to his door to deliver the news that he must leave that it truly sank in that they meant to expel him. The surprise is what finally broke through his malaise, filling him with kind of bitter anger that drove him forward. He gathered his things and left, heading northward. He had no particular goal except to leave the land behind. He could not have said at the time why he was so angered, but as he journeyed through the forests, he realized that he still had hope in the elves, had found his home in their land, and had, in a way, thought of himself as one of them. He now knew that no matter what he had done for them or what he might do, he never would be among them, not truly.

He entered Chalter Medrium, and it was at an inn in the south of that country that he finally broke through his dazed state. He decided that his fate was once again in his hands and that he had to search for his own solution if he was to find a way to ensure his safety from the horrors of death. He set off with more purpose and passed into Karandia in early spring. Some small part of him still remembered the Crimson King, the only mage he had ever seen emerge whole from the Underworld, and the rumors that he might appear in the north. This was a desperate cause, but in his darkest moments he was almost willing to seek that end.

However, the man Virraddon once was and whom he prays may one day be again feared that road. Instead, he took up two lines of inquiry. The first was to search for further information on the Consortium and their magik, especially the story of the Nine Mages and the creation of the Dragon. Surely he realized that the gods punished the empire terribly for their affront in creating life, but he theorized that some aspects of their magik, if not used to create life, might be used to extend his indefinitely. He also had the dragon claw for experiment and study.

The second was a hunt for yet more information on Auberick and the Fae. Though he feared that the Lord of the Forest Fae will have forgotten him or will bring aid too late to be of use (for what immortal could care for a mortal lifespan?), still he had spent so much of himself in pursuit of that end that it still lives within him. In his better moments, this is the end he still hopes for, and was most interested in learning all he could of Vesve of the Glades, Auberick's lost love—surely restoring her to her consort would be a task worthy of reward.

He made his way to Traau and was there for nearly two years. He studiously avoided contact with Tarrik Aldarion: though his connection to the Griffin of Magik might prove useful, he still felt a mixture of anger, resentment, and unease about the leader of the quest who not only did not rescue him from his fate, but by all accounts barely noticed that he had disappeared. As well, Virraddon was unsure if Tarrik would aid him in his quest, and even feels some shame that he, who had once thought himself superior to the former drunkard, was then finding his own solace in drink. He lived on the outskirts of the city, paying minor functionaries of the great Libraries to retrieve tomes for him and trading magikal knowledge with those Mages willing to deal with him. It was a lonely business, and his funds from Doro Y'Edhel were mostly depleted. Even more, he felt as if his progress was too slow and nearly pointless. He sought then some new path, a way to put his knowledge into action. He was continually see-sawing between the two paths before him, unable to settle on one, fearful of abandoning the one that might be his salvation. He grew more distant and hard, though less fearful than he had been in the past. He did not like this in himself and mourned for the loss of what he might have been, but felt as if he once again had to reach surety of his fate before he could give thought to other goals.

A Rededication of Purpose and the Retaking of the Quest

With that in mind, when he found some further hints about the location of some powerful Fae artifacts in mid-507, he headed toward the southern Badlands once more (as that place seemed strongly connected with the Fae for some reason). He joined a caravan in Halgudar that was making its way through the dangerous country at the Rynith border. While journeying, many of his fellow travelers began to disappear, and strange creatures seemingly composed of magik would appear at random intervals and attack. Throughout a harrowing night, it became clear that these beasts were summoned and someone was stealing away the caravan members. Worse, while disparate groups toiled after their separate goals, some conference between members of the Sequestrum and the Rynith government was taking place. Virraddon witnessed the arrival of a mighty death lord, an undead Elf named Julius [Dave Miner]. Virraddon attempted to discern his purposes and plans, but was unable to do so. He was also harrowed by the reappearance of the False Vashna [Joanna Slusser] whom he had run afoul of many times in the Underworld, when she claimed to be able to release him but only to taunt him further with his helpless state. She appeared to make the same sort of offers again and to tell him he was "missed" in the Underworld--and even that he would not be long in returning to that dread place--but eventually seemed to tire of his refusal to respond and left.

The only bright point of the night was the appearance of Azog, and it began very badly for Virraddon. When Azog appeared, Virraddon was overjoyed and waited to be greeted in the Fae’s normal, hearty fashion, as he greeted many others in the camp. But he overlooked Virraddon entirely, acting as though the mage was not even there. For agonizing minutes this continued, until finally Virraddon ventured to speak to him. Azog then acknowledged that he “used to know” Virraddon, and wondered aloud what had happened to him. They conversed for some time, during which Azog likened Virraddon's quest to secure Auberick's favor to a friend who always came around simply because he wanted something. He also gently chastised Virraddon for giving in when others told him to stop looking for the Queen's daughter, urging him to rely on what he was told by the Queen herself and his own sense of what was right.

After that long, dark night, Virraddon once again rededicated himself to the quest for the Queen’s daughter, vowing to serve others as best he could without spending his time and thought on only saving himself. His renewal was rewarded the next day when he received a missive from Manasseh Feangren from the far north, containing words of friendship and encouragement. That message came by the hand of a Black Rose knight; Virraddon passed on word of Julius and urged the knight to acquaint his fellows and the Council with the threat as soon as might be. That day Virraddon aided the other travelers in freeing their companions from the hand of the slavers who had been abducting them, and there was a kind of freedom in this. Once things were secured, he headed back to civilization to continue his studies with focus and determination.